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Student life in Perth

Experience student life in Perth while studying abroad. The town is seen as one of the most attractive, safe and inhabitable cities in the world and offers amazing outdoor life, wildlife, and nightlife!

Perth is located on the west coast of Australia, and is the only big city within a radius 2100 km. Its isolation means that it is less touristy than the east coast of Australia with popular cities like Sydney and Brisbane. However, this also means that you are in for a truly unique student experience in Perth. The city offers miles and miles of beaches and is the perfect point of departure for trips up the coast to Exmouth or Broome.

Beaches in and around Perth

Perth is all about the beaches and the outdoors. The city center of Perth lies about 10 km from the coast, which you can reach by bus or train. You have numerous amazing beaches to choose from; opt for the popular Cottesloe Beach or head north to the more rugged surfer beach at Scarborough. Regardless of your choice, the beaches offer a great break from your studies… or maybe you can bring your books and get some studying done at the same time?

Parks, picnic & BBQ in Perth

In Perth, you'll find numerous great and beautiful parks with amazing views of the city and Swan River.

Kings Park & Botanic Garden is located on a hill just west of the city center and offers the most amazing view for a picnic or a BBQ. There are always great activities and events happening here and we can definitely recommend the summer movie nights!

Our favourite BBQ spot is Sir James Mitchell Park across from the river from The Bell Tower – one of Perth’s most famous landmarks. Here you get the most amazing view of the city skyline – a perfect place to end the day downtown

KILROY tip: There is plenty of wildlife around Perth. At Heirisson Island in the Swan River, you can get your very first kangaroo encounter.

Bars and nightlife in Perth

A student city would not be complete unless it could offer some great nightlife and Perth can definitely tick that off the list. The most popular area - also with backpackers – is Northbridge, with the biggest selection of bars and clubs. Remember to bring your passport or locally issued proof of age card. If the nightlife is too much for your taste or if you want to relax after a weekend of fun, you should head down to one of the pubs or hotels for one of the Sunday sessions, where they offer great food and live music.

Perth and Fremantle are also home to some great breweries including local favorite Little Creatures – make sure to pay it a visit.

7 amazing activities in and around Perth

Distances in Western Australia are immense, so be prepared to travel a bit longer to reach the best-kept secrets. However, the reward awaits you at every destination – whether it is a small drive or boat ride away or a full day’s journey.

1) Take a trip to nearby Rottnest Island for the perfect day or weekend getaway. Rent a bike to get around and encounter the awesome - and very photogenic – Quokka, which looks like a tiny kangaroo. The beaches and snorkelling is great too!

2) Go wine tasting in Swan River Valley or Margaret River. Get your buzz on at the excellent wineries surrounding Perth. The climate in the region is similar to Mediterranean Europe, which offers excellent conditions for great wine production.

3) Watch an Aussie Rules Football game at the Subiaco Oval / Domain Stadium. A great place to experience the locals cheer for their favorite teams. Subiaco Oval is also a popular concert venue and has hosted names such as U2, AC/DC, and Robbie Williams.

4) Spend the day at the historical coastal town of Fremantle. Fremantle serves as the port of Perth and is known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. Do not miss the Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Prison, and the best local fish and chips at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.

5) Go sandboarding and off-roading at the sand dunes in Lancelin about 130 km north of Perth.

6) Visit the micro nation Principality of Hutt River – a self-proclaimed sovereign state with their own stamps and coins located about 500 km north of Perth. 2015 marks the 45-year anniversary of the micro nation. Meet the charismatic royal family and experience their lifework at first hand. Make sure you get a stamp for your passport!

7) Visit Penguin Island and snorkel at the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park near Rockingham – a short trip south of Perth. Come face to face with penguins, dolphins, and seals. At low tide, you can even challenge yourself and walk to Penguin Island, but boats are also in operation.

Student benefits in Perth

With your ISIC student card you receive tons of discounts and benefits all over Perth, Australia and the rest of the world. Download the ISIC Benefits App for free and take advantage of all the cool student benefits! Read more about ISIC and purchase your card here!

Climate in Perth

The climate in Perth is similar to that of Mediterranean Europe. The summer is generally very hot and dry. It lasts from December to March with February usually being the hottest. Average temperatures range from 27-30°C. The winter lasts from May to September and accounts for most of the annual rainfall. Here, the temperatures fall to 10-20°C with night temperatures closer to 5°C.

Rent a car or campervan in Perth

If you wish to explore the areas surrounding Perth and the rest of Western Australia, KILROY offers car and campervan rental in Perth and we'll be happy to find you the best and cheapest option for your needs.

Travel to Perth

KILROY can help arrange your trip to Perth. We have student-friendly prices on flight tickets and can help you book a flexible ticket, if you plan to go explore more of Australia before or after your studies. Your study advisor can tell you more about it and hook you up with one of our travel advisors.